Everyone should experience the joy of planting a garden.

That was the thought behind a recent charity event held by Gemmell's Garden Centre, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The Salvation Army and the Food Bank in Smiths Falls.

When Gemmell's realized that they had grown extra plants this season they began trying to figure out a way to help the community by distributing the plants out to people who may never get a chance to plant a garden. That's where Tracey Lasenba from the DBA came to the rescue. She immediately loved the concept and contacted local charities to see if they had volunteers available to help hand out the plants.

On Friday July 8^th Gemmell's Garden Centre set up seventeen racks of annuals which included flowers, vegetables and hanging baskets in the parking lot on the corner of Market and Chambers Streets. People quickly began leaving with arms full of flowers and huge smiles on their faces. What started out as an opportunity to share flowers turned into a fundraiser as many chose to donate money to the three charities for the plants they were taking.  This was an unexpected surprise as the plants were free! Over $900 was raised as well as canned food items.  The generosity of many people was truly overwhelming. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers Rhonda, Linda, Tracey, Bonita, Linda and Sylvia who helped make this such a successful event.  

Flowers truly help bring joy to peoples lives.                                                      photo credit: EMC